Hesper's Wizard

So brave Serviel did ask as the bird did advise,

And even greater sadness welled up in her deep ruby eyes.

The harpy bowed her head then shook it twice,

When she looked at Serviel again, her face was not nice.

“Tell me this Pathfinder most bold!”

“How can one winnow the gravel from gold?”

“What word is a tool for grading sizes of rock?”

“Yet forms a smooth question for the mind to unlock?”

“How can you cut the lightest chaff from the grain?”

“What is used in some harvests but never in rain?”

“What means spreading throughout, describing many a flaw?”

“What word roots from harvest, yet describes errors in law?”

“You have only a swift moment to answer me well,”

“Or your brave life is forfeit at the sound of my bell.”

In a sharp talon she held a golden bell to the sky.

And she released yet again, a sad, musical sigh.

She looked hopeless, fierce, and beautiful, all in one,

Serviel just knew he was now undone.

“Well, have you anything useful or clever to say!?”

Said that loud bird on his shoulder in a shocked sort of way.

“This pitiful riddle is not even worth the name!”

“As a conundrum it’s fairly weak and lame!”

“Go on now Serviel, speak well to this lovely beast!”

“Just give her the simple word she is seeking at least!”